Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen (2026) – A Blood-Soaked Rebirth of the Underworld Saga
The Underworld franchise has long been a staple of gothic action cinema, blending visceral violence with a haunting mythology. However, in its latest installment, Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen (2026), the series not only returns to its roots but reinvents itself in a way that feels both fresh and necessary. This is no longer just a continuation of a centuries-old battle—it is a daring, reinvigorated saga where old allegiances break, new queens rise, and the power dynamics of the underworld are turned upside down.
The Return of Selene: A Vampire on the Edge
Kate Beckinsale returns to the role of Selene, the immortal vampire warrior who has, over the course of five films, carved a bloody path through both the vampire and Lycan worlds. Yet in this chapter, Selene is a character defined by more than just vengeance. Haunted by the weight of centuries of killing, her once unwavering sense of loyalty and duty is now tempered by a deep introspection. The character’s internal struggle is more pronounced than ever, and Beckinsale brings a gravitas to the role that transcends mere action heroism.
The Lycan Queen: Jessica Henwick’s Masterful Entrance
Where Underworld 6 truly stands out is in the introduction of Jessica Henwick as the Lycan Queen. A character born of captivity and hardened by the brutality of her past, Henwick brings an electrifying energy to the screen. The Lycan Queen is not merely a prisoner turned rebel; she is a force of nature, claiming her freedom and rallying the Lycans with an almost primal ferocity. Henwick’s performance is magnetic, transforming what could have been a typical antagonist role into something far more complex. She embodies power, rebellion, and the visceral hunger for vengeance with every step she takes.
Visuals: A Gothic Fever Dream
The cinematography of Underworld 6 is nothing short of breathtaking. The film immerses the audience in a world drenched in moonlight, blood, and flames. From towering cathedrals cracked under the weight of time to ancient fortresses engulfed in fire, every visual is designed to evoke a sense of awe and dread. The action scenes, choreographed with balletic precision, are brutal yet beautifully shot—each fight is a mesmerizing dance of violence. The slow-motion moments where claws flash and fangs gleam create an atmosphere of gothic fever dream, echoing the franchise’s signature style while pushing the visual storytelling to new heights.
The Evolution of the Saga: A Seismic Shift
What truly makes Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen stand out, however, is its evolution of the saga’s central conflict. The battle between vampires and Lycans, while still central, feels less like a rehash of previous films and more like an organic extension of the story’s overarching themes. The film’s central arc is about Selene’s struggle between her loyalty to the vampire legacy and the undeniable truth presented by the Lycan Queen’s rise. Themes of forbidden bonds, vengeance, and the corrosive nature of centuries-old feuds take center stage, offering a more introspective, yet still intensely dramatic, narrative.
The Final Word: A Ferocious Rebirth
In the end, Underworld 6: Rise of the Lycans Queen feels like the rebirth the franchise desperately needed. It is not fan service; it is a fierce, necessary evolution of the Underworld mythos. It reignites the series with a new sense of danger and relevance, propelled by exceptional performances from Beckinsale and Henwick. The night now belongs to the Lycan Queen, and the entire Underworld universe feels fresh, dangerous, and gloriously alive.
Rating: 9.7/10 – Dark, intense, and gloriously alive. The night belongs to the queen now.
